EARNESTLY CONTENDING FOR THE FAITH Jude 3 Fight! Contend! Do battle! When apostasy arises, when false teachers emerge, when the truth of God is attacked, it is time to fight: “for the faith once delivered unto the saints” (Jude 3), the good fight of faith and lay hold on eternal life. Only believers who are spiritually “in shape” can answer the summons Ephesians 6:10-13; II Corinthians 10:3-6.
THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST
The book of second Thessalonians was written by Paul in response to certain reports that came to the apostle (II Thessalonians 3:11). While he was encouraged by their faith and steadfastness, Paul could see that many in the assembly were still very confused about, while some are deliberately misrepresentative of his teaching on the Second Coming of Christ (II Thessalonians 2:2). The possibility of such a deception is supported by counterfeit letters purportedly written by the apostle. We all know that the ultimate source of any trouble in the church is Satan himself, the ‘evil one’ (II Thessalonians 3:3). This misunderstanding had led many in the church to forsake their occupations, to lead undisciplined lives, and to breed unrest among the people by becoming busybodies and beggars, living off those who still maintained gainful employment (II Thessalonians 3:6-15). Some others had become discouraged, because of physical suffering, persecution and hardship.